Lichtjuweel at IJplein and Sixhaven — by Jan van der Horn
Something is taking shape at IJplein and Sixhaven, where the ferry docks in Amsterdam-Noord. Photographic works are gradually appearing. Behind the windows of houseboats, ships, sheds, and homes are staged photographs, displayed in light boxes like slides.
They are the work of Amsterdam visual artist Jan van der Horn, who is creating a so-called Lichtjuweel with his photographic works around Sixhaven.
Jan van der Horn works primarily in photography. In his studio, he creates landscapes from paper, clay, cardboard, and copper, then paints a background like a set designer. His studio gradually becomes a photo studio, where he lights and photographs the theatrical set.
These photographic works now form something special, extending from the Mandelahuisje, along the houseboats and ships, to the apartment building at IJplein. Together, they show that people live there and want their presence to be seen—a counterpoint to the ever-advancing city. Van der Horn thinks back to his friend Ed van der Elsken who used to exclaim, “Show that you exist!!”
Ed van der Elsken taught me: ‘Show that you exist.’
With support from the Fund for North, this Lichtjuweel was made possible—a Lichtjuweel designed to inspire wonder. Ferry after ferry, people will marvel at our Amsterdam, our magical city—its magic reflected in the waters of Sixhaven and IJplein in Amsterdam-Noord.
© Text by Madeleine Rood
The Lichtjuweel at IJplein and Sixhaven could be seen until mid-January 2019 and was, of course, most beautiful after dark...
